Just because some people like to "work" at their hobbies does not mean that they need to reevaluate their leisure time. I find that I get more enjoyment out of the game, or any other hobby for that matter, if I work at it.
No no, I could not agree with you more. The game is about all about goals. Even more so since achievements were added in 2008. However, when it comes to where it is no fun, a hassle, is it really worth it? When you say to yourself it is a hassle to do it, do you do it for fun or are you doing it just to reach that goal? And the is exactly what Muskie asked.
Myself, I am a completionist. That is why up until WoD I had done every quest, had every recipe, every pet, most mounts, done most of the achievements in the game and even had a few server firsts.
So, to me before I faction changed I would get everything. Transmog items and all. I am a min/maxer. Simply because, you never know what is in store in the future. Look at how the last few patches have transformed the twinking community. All new enchants, scaling, all new brackets, new battlegrounds! Pretty unbelievable!
In muskie's case he/she is not faction changing, but some day that quest may be gone. Now, he/she may have no plans of keeping this toon I have no idea.
/cheers